Housing Navigator - Community Supports (Kern)

Akido•California, CA

23h•$22 - $25•Hybrid

About The Position

Akido is hiring a Housing Navigator to support its Community Supports Housing programs in Kern County. The role helps members experiencing homelessness or housing instability transition into housing and maintain stable tenancy. Housing Navigators work directly with members, landlords, care teams, and community partners to deliver Housing Transition Navigation Services (HTNS), Housing Deposits, and Housing Tenancy and Sustaining Services (HTSS) under CalAIM. The position combines field-based engagement with documentation and coordination. Responsibilities include assessing members’ housing needs, developing housing plans, helping members locate and secure housing, coordinating eligible housing deposits, and providing ongoing tenancy support. The Navigator also maintains records and billing-compliant documentation, coordinates with care managers and other teams, and contributes to outreach and program improvements. Work combines community visits, housing-site visits, and member meetings with remote administrative work. It requires prolonged computer use, frequent phone calls, travel within service areas, and occasional lifting of light materials related to move-in support. The position is based in Bakersfield, California, and is described as in-person, with a hybrid field-and-remote work environment. Hourly pay is $22–$25.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in housing navigation, case management, social services, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of homeless services systems, Coordinated Entry and VI-SPDAT, and Housing First and harm reduction principles.
Comfort working with individuals experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and complex social needs.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
Strong communication and documentation skills.
Comfort working across multiple systems, including EHRs, HMIS, referral portals, and spreadsheets.
Ability to work independently in the field while remaining accountable to team goals.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; field work is required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of CalAIM Community Supports.
Bilingual Spanish strongly preferred; other languages are a plus.
Experience working in Los Angeles County and/or Kern County homeless systems.
Familiarity with Housing Deposit and Tenancy Sustaining billing workflows.

Responsibilities

Conduct housing assessments to identify member needs, preferences, barriers, and strengths.
Complete and maintain Housing Plans in accordance with Community Supports requirements.
Assist members with housing searches, unit identification, housing applications, and gathering required documentation.
Conduct or support VI-SPDAT completion when required and coordinate with Coordinated Entry Systems.
Educate members on tenant rights, fair housing, and reasonable accommodations.
Engage landlords and property managers to support housing placement and resolve barriers.
Coordinate move-in logistics, including inspections, utility setup, and move-in readiness.
Identify eligible Housing Deposit resources, prepare and submit requests and supporting documentation, and track authorization and disbursement coordination.
Ensure Housing Deposits align with approved housing plans and program guidelines.
Provide ongoing tenancy support, including assistance with lease compliance, household management, and landlord communication.
Identify early warning signs of housing instability and assist with conflict resolution, repayment plans, and eviction prevention strategies.
Support annual recertifications and ongoing housing plan updates.
Link members to community resources, including benefits, behavioral health, financial literacy, and life skills resources.
Maintain timely, accurate documentation in Akido’s EHR and case management systems.
Ensure services align with authorization requirements and billable activity standards; track time and activities in compliance with Housing CS billing rules.
Coordinate with care managers, ECM teams, and operations staff; participate in case conferences, huddles, and supervision as required.
Serve as a liaison between members, providers, landlords, health plans, and community partners.
Support outreach and engagement efforts when needed.
Identify workflow gaps and contribute to process improvements.
Perform other duties as assigned based on program needs.